WEEK+2

**WEEK 2-LAB QUESTION & ANSWER**
Mass media can literally be defined as media that reaches a mass audience. In the 21st Century, different forms of mass media include television, radio, the Internet and much more. The reason these are considered as mass media, is because whatever airs on a radio or television or is available on the Internet reaches a large, and in some cases an international audience. This at times could be advantageous and in other situations can be disadvantageous. Mass media is definitely used during political campaigns, and in advertising products and services.
 * Can Video Games be considered another new mass media? What makes Video Games a different medium from conventional movies and music? Why are video games catching on? **

A new form of mass media that has been emerging through the markets for a while now is video games. Through advertisements, marketing campaigns and previous products, video games has reached millions of households worldwide. Whatever message, meaning or goal one video game is providing, can be reached to everyone who uses that particular game. Many studies also have been done on video games and the ways in which it affects society, proving that it is a mass media. Now, whether this mass media is advantageous to society or is it affecting society in a negative manner is still up for debate.

Video games are definitely a different medium than conventional movies and music as it involves a greater level of interaction on the user’s part. In the case of watching a movie or listening to music the user acts in a passive role whereas with video games users have to be active participants. One great example to show that video games allow the need for interaction is World of Warcraft (WOW). In WOW, on the lower left hand side of the screen there is a box for communication, similar to msn, with other players. Furthermore, in WOW, after obtaining a certain level users can team up and play as a team to advance further in the game. This is very advantageous as when new players want to learn about the different levels, or the tools provided, they have the opportunity to interact with others and gain further knowledge about the game. Another example where physical participation is needed to be able to play is the Wii. While playing tennis on the Wii, one has to literally hit the ball in the correction direction, at the correct time with a certain amount of power to continue playing. This idea was very innovative as it requires users to physically play the game, instead of just pressing a set of buttons which most conventional video games require. In either case, video games require communication unlike conventional movies and music.

Video games are catching on for a few simple reasons. As mentioned in parts of the article, video games reflect popular culture and at the same time include a certain level of content (Lister, 293). Video games, itself are a sociable game, even though many can see video games as being an individual challenge instead of a group effort (Lister, 293). Also, video games are widely shared therefore reflect a certain community, including their culture, values and beliefs (Lister, 293). On a more common note, video games include a variety of choice and convenience. There are thousands of video games that are available to rent/buy at any time at a large variety of stores. Therefore, one can decide what game they want to play, where they want to play it, with whom, for how long, and most of all a video game can be saved and continued at a later time. Video games are also made for all ages (some for children, some for young adults and some for mature adults) therefore everyone has the chance to enjoy their presence.

Lister, M, et al. New Media-A Critical Introduction. 2nd Ed. New York: Taylor and Francis Group, 2009.
 * Works Cited **

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